(PA) Research Physician Assistant - 137916

The Research Physician Assistant (PA) at the UC San Diego Center for Brain Health and Memory Disorders is an advanced clinical research and clinical care provider who supports interdisciplinary work in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. In the brain health and memory clinic, the PA evaluates patients, develops care plans, and tailors management strategies to support well-being.

Under the supervision of an attending neurologist, the Research Physician Assistant evaluates diagnostic and laboratory findings, including blood tests, MRI, CT, PET, and other diagnostic tests, as well as performs injections and related technical procedures. The PA develops appropriate treatment plans by prescribing medications and supportive therapies. The PA then implements and adapts care strategies by performing comprehensive neurological examinations, reviewing current medication regimens and potential interactions, interpreting diagnostic results, and communicating care plans with patients, care partners, and primary and specialty health care teams.

Research responsibilities begin with identifying candidates for clinical research and therapeutic trials. The PA helps families understand research by clearly explaining available opportunities and may conduct screenings and specialized clinical and cognitive evaluations. Technical duties include collecting biomarkers and performing protocol-specific procedures such as lumbar punctures and skin biopsies, along with completing required documentation. The PA contributes to case conferences and consensus diagnoses. Returns biomarker and imaging results to participants and care partners, provides clear education about the findings, and makes referrals for follow-up care, supportive services, or specialty clinical or research evaluations as needed. Performs other duties assigned.

• Must be a graduate from a physician assistant program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

• California Physician Assistant (PA) license.

• Current PA Certification from NCCPA.

• BLS certification at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six months of hire date.

• Must have at least six (6+) months of relevant clinical patient-facing experience. Training or work experience in Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or neurology is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, comfort working with older adults and families, and the ability to translate complex scientific and clinical concepts into understandable language.

• Strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary academic research environment are essential.

• Two (2+) or more years of experience as a licensed Physician Assistant in a related setting.

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, including the ability to conduct clinical interviews, informed consent discussions, return biomarker results, and deliver participant education in both languages with accuracy, sensitivity, and cultural competence.

• Must be willing to work flexible, variable hours with the ability to change schedule on short notice.

• May require occasional evening and weekend hours beyond the normal workday.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be able to obtain UCSD Medical Staff privileges and maintain during employment. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years, gained through school or work experience.